fruncir el ceño
Lemma Details
Translation: to frown; to knit one's brow; to furrow one's brow
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'fruncir' (to wrinkle, to pucker) with 'el ceño' (the brow, the forehead). 'Fruncir' comes from Latin 'frontiare' meaning 'to wrinkle the forehead', which is derived from 'frons' (forehead). The English word 'front' shares this Latin root. 'Ceño' comes from Latin 'cinnum' meaning 'sign of displeasure shown with the face', particularly by wrinkling the forehead.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El profesor frunció el ceño cuando vio mi tarea incompleta.
The teacher frowned when he saw my incomplete homework.
Siempre frunce el ceño cuando está concentrado.
He always furrows his brow when he's concentrating.
No me gusta cuando fruncen el ceño al hablar conmigo.
I don't like it when they frown while talking to me.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'fruncir' as 'fronting' with your forehead - pushing your brow forward in displeasure.
- Imagine someone saying 'France, see? No!' with a frown on their face (sounds like 'fruncir ceño').
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in Spanish to describe someone showing disapproval, concentration, or concern. It's a universal facial expression but the specific phrase is important in Spanish literature and everyday conversation to describe emotional states.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'fruncir el ceño' refers specifically to frowning or wrinkling the forehead in displeasure or concentration, 'fruncir los labios' means to purse or pucker one's lips, which can indicate different emotions like disapproval, concentration, or preparing to kiss.
Confused word:
Ella frunció los labios antes de dar su opinión.
She pursed her lips before giving her opinion.
Notes: Both expressions use the verb 'fruncir' (to wrinkle/pucker) but refer to different facial features and can indicate different emotional states.
Mnemonic: 'Ceño' is for your forehead (think 'seeing' with your eyes above), while 'labios' clearly refers to lips.